'Used To Criticism,' BCCI Vice-President Backs Kanpur's Green Park Amid Backlash
Green Park recently received massive backlash [Source: PTI]
BCCI's vice-president Rajiv Shukla came in support of Green Park Stadium after the venue received massive backlash for its poor drainage system. The ground in Kanpur is currently hosting the decider of the ongoing two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh. However, the match saw two consecutive abandonments due to a wet outfield after a rain-marred opening day.
Moreover, despite the rain staying away, no play was possible on day three, with the umpires calling it off due to wet patches in the ground. As the day was abandoned without a ball being bowled, fans came down heavy at Green Park, urging the BCCI to ban the venue from hosting Test matches.
Rajiv Shukla Defends Kanpur Amid Criticism
Meanwhile, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla found Kanpur's criticism harsh, saying,
"Well criticism is one thing which we are used to being in administration of BCCI in cricket. But everything is being criticised. When we were not giving matches to Kanpur then also I was being criticised. Now we are giving the match and I am being criticised why it has been given to Kanpur."
Shukla thinks that Kanpur is one of India's most ancient Test centres. He cited the BCCI's rotation policy as a primary reason behind Green Park hosting the second fixture between India and Bangladesh.
"Kanpur is a permanent Test centre. Then we have to keep other aspects also in mind. Second is our rotation policy. So, we have to go by the rotation policy," Shukla stated.
"And three, India has now got a lot many venues. We have got maximum number of venues which Australia and other countries don't have. And we have to provide opportunity to all of them," he added.
Can India Force A Result In Kanpur Test?
Despite losing almost three days of action, India set the tone for a cracking final day in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. The hosts adopted a counterattacking approach to post 285 runs and take a crucial first-innings lead. In response, the Tigers have already lost two wickets and will bat for their lives to avoid a clean sweep.
[With Inputs From PTI]